Northern Ireland

Simon Hoare says he 'got it wrong' when he described Eleventh Night bonfires as 'traditional pallet burning fiesta'

Election posters for Alliance leader Naomi Long have been placed on a bonfire
Election posters for Alliance leader Naomi Long have been placed on a bonfire Election posters for Alliance leader Naomi Long have been placed on a bonfire

THE chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee last night said he "got it wrong" when he described Eleventh Night bonfires as the "traditional pallet burning fiesta".

Simon Hoare issued an apology on social media for his comments after he came in for criticism on Twitter where which he appeared to mock the bonfires.

Amid concerns about a handful of large pyres in loyalist areas, the MP for North Dorset quote tweeted another post highlighting that alongside election posters for Alliance leader Naomi Long, a bonfire in Portadown also had Palestinian, Irish and EU flags.

"Who knew William of Orange arrived in Ireland with hundreds of wooden pallets hence the traditional pallet burning fiesta began," he tweeted.

One Twitter user said: "That awkward moment when Simon Hoare admits he doesn't know that bonfires were lit to guide William's fleet to Carrickfergus..."

After his remarks provoked a backlash from mostly anonymous Twitter users, in a further tweet last night, Mr Hoare apologised.

"Earlier I posted a tweet which was never intended to cause the offence it has to some in NI," he said.

"I want to say fully and unequivocally that I am sorry.

"I intended only to be humorous/tongue in cheek and I got it wrong.

"I hope my apology will be accepted. It is sincere and heartfelt."

Ian Knox cartoon 6/7/21 
Ian Knox cartoon 6/7/21  Ian Knox cartoon 6/7/21